Caitlin Clark has made her long-awaited return to practice after missing several games due to a groin injury, but it’s what she revealed afterward that truly stunned fans and reporters alike.

The Indiana Fever rookie, who’s been under an intense spotlight all season, opened up about the severity of the injury that had sidelined her. “It was worse than people knew,” Clark said in a post-practice interview. “I was playing through discomfort for a while before it finally reached a point where I couldn’t ignore it.”

Clark admitted that she had been dealing with pain for weeks before finally sitting out. “I didn’t want to let my team down, especially with all the attention we’ve been getting,” she said. “But at the end of the day, I had to listen to my body.”

The star guard revealed that the groin strain was more serious than initially reported and nearly led to a longer-term absence. Team doctors reportedly considered shutting her down for multiple weeks, but she responded well to rest and rehab.

“I’m lucky it didn’t become something worse,” Clark said. “I learned a lot about my limits during this time.”

Clark returned to full practice this week, participating in all drills and scrimmages. Though she’s not been officially cleared for full minutes in games, her return to training is a positive sign for Fever fans.

Teammates were thrilled to see her back on the floor. “Her energy is contagious,” one teammate said. “Even when she’s not at 100%, Caitlin lifts the whole gym.”

But Clark also used the opportunity to send a message. She stressed the importance of recovery, even when pressure from fans, media, and sponsorships is at an all-time high.

“There’s so much going on around me every day — cameras, headlines, expectations. It’s easy to forget that I’m still human,” she said. “This injury reminded me of that.”

According to Clark, her decision to sit out wasn’t just about physical pain but also mental clarity. “You start to lose rhythm when you’re constantly pushing through something that doesn’t feel right. My body needed a pause.”

Clark credited the Fever’s medical staff for supporting her and giving her the space to heal properly. She also said head coach Stephanie White was instrumental in managing the situation with empathy.

“She never rushed me,” Clark said. “She always told me, ‘We want you healthy for the long run, not just for the next game.’ That meant a lot.”

The WNBA rookie of the year candidate had been logging heavy minutes and carrying a huge portion of the offense before her injury. Some analysts suggested the workload may have contributed to her physical breakdown.

Clark didn’t deny that. “The pace is no joke. Every night it feels like a playoff game, and your body takes a hit. I have to be smarter about rest, stretching, and strength work.”

While Clark isn’t placing a timeline on her full return to dominant form, she’s optimistic. “I feel like I’m getting there. I’m practicing with more confidence each day.”

When asked if she feared the injury would affect her long-term development, Clark shook her head. “If anything, it’s going to make me stronger. I’ve been in the weight room more than ever.”

She also shared that she’s been working with trainers on injury prevention and muscle recovery, using techniques like cryotherapy, yoga, and deep-tissue therapy.

The rookie star emphasized that injuries are part of the game and don’t define her career. “Every great player goes through something like this,” she said. “It’s about how you come back.”

Fans were quick to show support online, flooding her Instagram and Twitter with encouraging messages. “We’ve got your back, Caitlin,” one comment read. “Take your time. Your health comes first.”

As the Fever prepare for their next stretch of games, Clark’s return to practice is a promising step — but also a cautionary tale.

Behind the highlight reels and sold-out arenas is a player pushing through immense physical and emotional pressure.

Now, with renewed focus and a better understanding of her body, Caitlin Clark seems poised not just to return — but to rise again, stronger and wiser.